Minister of Federal Capital Territory Vows to Enforce Abuja Master Plan

Introduction to the Conflict

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has vowed not to allow powerful individuals desecrate the Abuja Master Plan through blackmail, declaring that no amount of pressure or military intimidation will stop the FCT Administration from enforcing its town planning laws.

The Incident

Wike, who was responding to an earlier altercation between himself and some military officers who blocked him from gaining access to a property on Plot 1946 Buffer Transit, Southern Parkway, Gaduwa District, vowed not to allow lawlessness to prevail in the territory. The minister had led senior officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to the site allegedly linked to the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd), after receiving reports of an ongoing illegal development.

Details of the Altercation

On arrival, his convoy met a barricade mounted by armed naval officers who said they were acting on “orders from above.” The officers reportedly parked a military truck across the entrance of the property, preventing bulldozers from the FCTA Department of Development Control from entering the fenced site for demolition. As the minister stepped out of his vehicle and attempted to gain access, the soldiers stood their ground, insisting that no one was to be allowed into the premises. This action triggered a heated verbal exchange with Wike demanding to know who gave the order.

The Verbal Exchange

“Who gave you the order?” a visibly angry Wike asked. But when the officer attempted to respond, the minister shouted, “Keep quiet!” “Sir, you cannot tell me to keep quiet. I am a commissioned officer,” the soldier retorted. An enraged Wike shot back, “You’re a fool!” “I am not a fool, sir, and you have no right to call me one,” the officer replied.

The Minister’s Stance

The standoff, which lasted several tense minutes, ended when Wike’s security aides intervened and led the minister away from the blockade. However, speaking to journalists after tension had calmed, Wike described the soldiers’ conduct as an affront to constituted authority and an attempt to intimidate government officials enforcing the law, insisting that his administration would not bow to such tactics.

The Disputed Property

The minister, while insisting that the disputed property was being developed without legal title or approval, said, “You are aware that the land departments and the development control have mandated to see where the illegal development is going on and land grabbing. And when this was brought to my attention, I did instruct them to make sure that nothing takes place in as much as they did not have any legal paper in terms of regional approval or even the acquisition of the land.”

Investigation and Next Steps

Wike disclosed that he had immediately contacted both the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who, according to him, promised to intervene on the matter. “I’ve spoken to the Chief of Defence Staff and I’ve spoken to the Chief of Naval Staff and they have assured me that, please, they have to resolve the matter. We’re not coming here to have a shootout with anybody, to cause chaos and all. But what I can say is that I would not allow it to happen.”

Conclusion

The FCT Administration will continue to enforce land-use regulations and demolish illegal structures irrespective of the social or political status of those involved. The minister stressed that the days when the rich and well-connected could acquire land through back channels, erect illegal structures, or use security operatives to shield wrongdoing are over, insisting that Abuja would henceforth be governed strictly by its master plan and the rule of law.

FAQs

• Q: What was the reason for the Minister’s visit to the property?
  • A: The Minister visited the property due to reports of ongoing illegal development.
• Q: Who was the property allegedly linked to?
  • A: The property was allegedly linked to the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd).
• Q: What was the outcome of the Minister’s conversation with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff?
  • A: They promised to intervene in the matter.
• Q: What is the Minister’s stance on enforcing the Abuja Master Plan?
  • A: The Minister vows not to allow powerful individuals to desecrate the Abuja Master Plan through blackmail and will enforce the plan irrespective of social or political status.